July 2 Today in OPC History

Born in Topeka, Kansas in 1958, Dan Fincham met Sylvia Campbell while he was stationed with the U.S. Navy in San Diego. Dan often helped with service projects at the Bible camp Sylvia's parents operated east of San Diego. Dan embraced the Reformed faith while worshipping under former Orthodox Presbyterian Pastor George Miladin at Point Loma OPC in San Diego. Dan and Sylvia married on this date in 1983. After Dan graduated with his bachelor of science degree from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, in 1987, he worked as an electrical engineer with Texas Instruments in Midland and Houston. While in Houston, serving as a ruling elder of Covenant PCA under Pastor Joseph Pipa, Dan realized he was drawn more to the interests of Christ’s church than engineering. He came under care of the South Texas Presbytery of the PCA in 1992. Before graduating with a Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California in 1997, Dan was an intern under Dr. Pipa at Trinity PCA in Escondido, California.

Dan became stated supply of Covenant OPC in New Bern, North Carolina in November 1997. After completing his ordination exams, he was ordained by the OPC’s Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic on May 22, 1998. Organizing pastor of Covenant OPC until 2002, he has served as their pastor for the last seventeen years. Dan also serves as chairman of the Home Missions Committee of the Presbytery of the Southeast.

Sylvia homeschooled their three children, Jessica, Christopher, and Andrew. She also serves on the Church Life committee and has organized vacation Bible school for their congregation. Today their son Christopher serves as a Marine Corps officer at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The Finchams enjoy time with their grandchildren.

Picture: Dan and Sylvia Fincham on their wedding day in 1983.